Tackling tax credits fraud
A new campaign has been launched by HMRC to check childcare costs and reduce tax credits error and fraud in Northern Ireland. The campaign was launched on 17 February and HMRC is using local radio and newspaper adverts to raise awareness of the issue.
The adverts highlight the fact that any changes in circumstances must be reported to HMRC to avoid a tax credit overpayment, penalty or a possible criminal prosecution. It is a taxpayer’s responsibility to notify HMRC when childcare costs increase or decrease by £10 or more as this may affect the amount of tax credits paid.
The child tax credit has been designed to help lower income families with children. Credits are available to families with low to moderate income. Child tax credit is paid directly to the main carer in the family either weekly or monthly and is usually paid directly to a designated bank or building society account.
Paul Gerrard, Director, Benefits and Credits Operations Group, HMRC, said:
‘It is the customer’s responsibility to tell HMRC about any change of circumstance that affects their tax credits entitlement and we will work with customers to understand their correct circumstances and eligibility. We are reminding customers to contact us about any changes to childcare costs to ensure they receive the correct payment.’